Tony Audenshaw, known to millions as Bob Hope in Emmerdale has paid tribute to his late wife, Ruth, as part of a moving new artwork by Pancreatic Cancer UK. The actor sadly lost Ruth to the disease in 2017 and has now donated a pair of her running shoes to the Shoes of Hope installation. The striking public memorial is made up of 797 pairs of trainers - one for every life lost to the devastating illness in the UK each month.

Shoes of Hope, which is located at Potters Fields Park beside the River Thames, aims to raise awareness of the impact pancreatic cancer has and highlight the urgent need for early detection methods. It is also part of Pancreatic Cancer UK’s efforts to raise £2 million through fundraising and public support. The organisation is this year’s official Charity of the Year for the London Marathon and Tony is one of over 700 runners taking part this month to raise money for the important cause.

All the shoes featured in the charity's installation have been donated by bereaved families, survivors, supporters, and a number of public figures. Actor Tom Burke donated shoes in memory of his godfather Alan Rickman, as did the actress Barbara Flynn, who lost her husband to the disease.

Broadcaster Adil Ray also handed over a pair of his late mum's footwear. Several high-profile figures from the worlds of entertainment and sport have also contributed shoes and messages. Actress Olivia Williams, who survived pancreatic cancer, and actors Richard Armitage, Alison Steadman, and Zoe Ball - who all lost parents to the disease - have taken part.

While unveiling the Shoes of Hope, Audenshaw shared: "I’m honoured to unveil this powerful installation highlighting the impact of pancreatic cancer and our hope for saving thousands of people’s lives. My wife Ruth was a keen runner herself, and I’ll be running the marathon next weekend in her memory."

He continued: "Her story is one of hundreds represented here. If you’re near Potters Fields today, please visit and learn more about why it’s so important we finally make progress with this devastating disease."

Pancreatic Cancer UK has also released new research that demonstrates a concerning lack of public awareness about the disease. According to the charity, 70% of people in the UK are unable to identify the symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

These can include changes in bowel habits, indigestion, unexplained weight loss, and back pain. The lack of a simple early detection test means the disease is often diagnosed too late for potentially life-saving treatment. Currently, more than half of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within three months.

The disease is projected to become the UK’s fourth deadliest cancer by 2027, but is still significantly underfunded compared to other major cancers.

Pancreatic Cancer UK is calling on the UK government to invest at least £35 million annually in pancreatic cancer research over the next two decades. The charity is also campaigning for the development and rollout of early detection tests, regular monitoring for high-risk individuals, and greater public education.

Shoes of Hope is open to the public in the lead up to the London Marathon. Visitors can read notes that have been attached to the shoes, including one from Richard Armitage, which reads: "For Mum who spent her life cleaning my (and my brother’s) trainers! You are missed."